1:00 AM,
Oct. 14, 2011

Written by

Michael Casagrande
Special to the Advertiser

TUSCALOOSA -- The down marker flips just as the bell tolls. It's third down in Bryant-Denny Stadium, the AC/DC classic "Hell's Bells" hits the sound system and Vanderbilt's chance of success nosedives.

The Commodores continued a season-long trend for Alabama opponents Saturday night. By converting just one of their 10 third-down opportunities, Vanderbilt fell below an already low bar set by the five previous foes in a 34-0 shutout.

In the 93 third downs against Alabama, there have only been 26 conversions. That's 28 percent, which ranks sixth nationally behind leader Boise State (24.2 ...